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2016 NFL Mock Draft Version 3.0: Free-Agency Impact

By David Harrison

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 53. . OT. Notre Dame. Ronnie Stanley. 2

 

There are a few things in the NFL which are absolute truths, and one of them is, if you can’t protect your quarterback you won’t win.

The Browns’ off-season strategy has been somewhat perplexing.  It seems the team has reserved itself to collecting as many compensatory picks in 2017 as it can, while only keeping one player to this point – linebacker Tank Carder.

A team which once looked like they were a few key players away from competing for a playoff spot has seen key players like Alex Mack, Mitchell Schwartz, and Travis Benjamin leave for greener pastures.  This exodus from Cleveland has left the franchise with more holes to fill than perhaps any other team in the league.

Healing the offensive line has to be a priority, and Ronnie Stanley from Notre Dame is the start the team needs.  The hard-working, physically impressive tackle is exactly the kind of player any NFL franchise wants protecting their quarterback, whether he’s an aging veteran like Josh McCown, or a rookie taken later in the draft – Cardale Jones anyone?

Browns fans deserve a winner, as they are more loyal than perhaps any fan base in all of sports.  Even when there wasn’t a football team in Cleveland, there were still Browns fans everywhere.

They won’t get the team they deserve in 2016, but with some smart picks, the team can begin to turn into something the entire Dawg Pound can be proud of.

 

Previously:  Myles Jack – LB – UCLA

Next: 3. San Diego Chargers

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